2002 Chrysler PT Cruiser engine problems

Filed Jul 27, 2021 · Engine, Fuel system · OH · fire

While driving the vehicle I could begin to smell a strong odor of gas them almost like the smell of plastic melting and the vehicle engine started running hot temperature so I immediately turned off the engine as I pulled over to the side of the road and as I stepped out of the car aflame began under the hood and ended up burning my entire engine. Fire department had to come and extinguish the car.

Filed Oct 28, 2019 · Engine, Steering · 199,685 miles · TX · fire

Drove the vehicle 12 miles to get home. (the vehicle was stationary) immediately turning off engine after making it home. Power steering fluid leakage (big leak) from hose and smoke smell from under hood. (engine looks chard)

Filed Aug 8, 2019 · Driver assistance, Electrical · 147,000 miles · SC

My check engine light goes off and on. Crankshaft and camshaft sensors were reading as the issue according to the odometer code system.. My car shuts off at anytime even while driving in the middle of the road. My battery terminal seems to be weak possibly having shortage moments from time to time. My vehichle will pull one way or the other. My breaks feel like there going to give out or are brand knew . My vehichle makes a noise as if the front cv axels or ball joints need to be greased. My wiring and engine is my main concern. My AC doesn't work my radiator seal has been replaced my car will make a guzzling noice due to the coolant . The list goes on. I bought my vehichle approx. 4months ago. The issues have progressed over the past month.

Filed Oct 30, 2016 · Body, Engine · 294,000 miles · OH

Engine cradle, or front subframe, is rusted to the point I've stopped driving the car. I'm in the process of finding a replacement but chrysler no longer makes the part! Nothing has happened to this point because of my caution but the front end was starting to make popping noises when I started out from a dead stop. The problem is on the front passenger side. I understand from reading articles, many other pts have this same problem. For years, I have tried to prime and spray oil on the part to extend it's life. Time has come....

Filed Nov 2, 2015 · Engine · CA · fire

Tl* the contact owns a 2002 chrysler pt cruiser. While driving at 30 MPH, the vehicle began to vibrate severely. In addition, the vehicle overheated without warning. The contact noticed fumes and smoke coming from the hood. The failure recurred intermittently. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.

Filed Oct 31, 2015 · Engine · 100,755 miles · TN · fire

Ok this is the 10th complaint filed on this vehicle both by myself and mechanics who have worked on it in last 6 months. My vehicle caught fire beside my house this morning at 6am. Nobody in car and the only thing that alerted me was when my dogs went out and were barking like crazy. I will have the fire investigator report on monday or tuesday. I suggest chrysler who has all the same complaints as you do pay attention when you are told a car is unsafe. I could have lost everything this morning so chrysler better be glad was just car. I am still shaking and I am a single disabled mom thank god fire department got here when they did. I want answers!

Filed Oct 6, 2015 · Electrical, Engine · 100,000 miles · TN · fire · 1 injury

Ok maybe 4th time is a charm on trying to get pt cruiser off road. I had a fire in this vehicle due to overheating which was reported but dumb me put it out and replaced grill and radiator and had to take seperate loan out for $2500 in repairs and now vehicle won't start and now being told is computer well that explains why when we were trying to get out of car when was on fire the door locks didn't won't to work first time. The car is a 2002 with 100,000 miles on it and I have already put new tires on it and battery and had all these repairs done trying to save the car because I am a single mom on disability maybe since chrysler is under investigation for injuries and deaths not being reported you can add me because I was burned during the fire trying to put out. I have forwarded every single documentation of every incident not only to chrysler but the federal safety agency and now want me to replace a computer at $1300 this car is dangerous and have been told by everyone who has examined car it is serious but I guess if me or my son had died in car then maybe something would have been done. I have made my payments and paid full coverage insurance for 6 months while all this has been going on and only was able to drive car for a month. The vehicle is at chrysler dodge in columbia,tn and phone number is 1‑931‑380‑0326. I have 9 tow bills and nobody cares that me or my son could have lost our lives!

Filed Sep 14, 2015 · Engine · 89,000 miles · TN · fire

Ok this is my 3rd complaint on this vehicle the first problem was overheating and yes caught fire after a month of that everytime temperature gauge would rise I pulled car over and had towed I have 7 tow bills on that well last time caught fire was able to put out had to replace radiator,hoses,had a cracked head,fan,fan sensor and thermostat and grill that was $2000 for all that. I got car back and now have had back for a month and car won't start had battery changed out,had 25 point inspection done and now saying alarm system is triggering something or possibly computer going bad. This is a 2002 with only 100,000 miles on it. I owe $2300 to chase for purchase then have 2nd lien because of all these other problems of $2000. I bought the car back in 4/2013 and had to have all recalls done on it and I have reported all this before and chrysler refuses to admit it is a lemon. I have been told by dealer and 2 other mechanics this car is not safe and should not be on road. I am a single mom with ms and on disability and now scared to drive car. The car is parked and I am still making payments on something I can't drive. I do know car was assembled in mexico and don't know if a siesta was taken during my car or not. I am told not to drive car it is a hazard and chrysler after fire should have taken car back but they refused a fire and was me and my son 2 lives could have been lost. I want car taken back by chrysler and I want payoff on loan of $3000.00 by chrysler this car won't be driven. I have been very cooperative reporting everything but when mine and my son's life is at risk that is enough! If you do research the overheating and electrical has been a serious problem and I would think that a fire would get you to make chrysler take these cars back.

Filed Aug 4, 2015 · Engine · CA

The motor mount needs to be replaced for the 3rd time!

Filed Jul 15, 2015 · Engine, Suspension · 107,000 miles · DE

Subframe cradle failure with crack through mounting. Dealer says "seen before" not under recall or investigation. Repair shop "has seen several with similar failure" some have resulted in suspension failure and accidents. Why is this not the subject of a recall? No one killed yet? Repair to cost $1,400.00. Updated 11/09/15